BAF 2025: Buchla AUX Oscillator Card for Easel Series

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"At NAMM 2025, we caught up with Nick from Buchla*, where he introduced us to the new *AUX Oscillator Card for the Easel series. This digital auxiliary oscillator card is designed to integrate with the 208 C revision of the Buchla 208 voice, featured on the modern and retro Easel editions, as well as the Easel Command.

The AUX Oscillator Card offers a host of features, including a CV multiplier for tenfold voltage utility, a random pulse input, and a noise generator. It allows for three-operator frequency modulation by supplying an additional oscillator. Nick explained that while it's a digital oscillator, the voltages interacting within the system remain analog. The card also supports a card doubler, enabling simultaneous use of the AUX Oscillator Card with other cards."

BAF 2025: Polyend Step Drum Machine

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"At BAF 2025, Polyend introduced Step*, a stereo drum machine in pedal form. *Mitch from Polyend shared insights about this device, designed to facilitate quick and enjoyable beat-making while you play your instrument. The drum machine features a 16-step, 4-track sequencer and operates on a sample-based platform. It allows you to select from over 200 pre-loaded drum kits, with the ability to add and customize your own samples.

Control is made intuitive with a stomp switch, enabling effortless pattern changes and effects customization. You can utilize a tap tempo function for keeping in sync, and manage samples via USB and SD card connections. This pedal is particularly suitable for guitarists and synth players who desire dynamic rhythm accompaniment without interrupting their performance. The stereo playback and processing include panning, reverb, and delay effects. The pedal is now available for shipping at a cost of $499 USD/Euro."

Check with dealers on the right for availability.

BAF 2025: Synthskinz Magnetic and Adhesive Skins

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"At NAMM 2025, we caught up with Jeff from Synthskinz, who introduced us to their innovative skin designs for electronic music equipment. Having gained extensive experience in creating skins for DJ equipment, 12-Inch Skins decided to venture into the synth world through their sister company, *Synth Skins*. These skins cater to a wide range of gear, including groove boxes and synthesizers. Jeff explained how the skins provide both aesthetic and practical benefits, allowing you to write on them with a Sharpie, which can be easily cleaned with an alcohol rub.

The skins are available in various materials, including exotic and metallic options, and supported by certain magnetic applications for steel-bodied devices. A fixed design process is initially being offered, with potential customization for designers. Pricing starts at around $40, depending on material choices. The glowing and UV options add a unique touch to your gear.

More Info:

https://synthskinz.com/"

BAF 2025: Bastl Instruments Kastle 2 FX Wizard

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"At BAF 2025 we met up with Vaclav from Bastle Instruments who gave us a look at the *Kastle 2 FX Wizard*, a compact patchable multi-effects processor with 9 core effects. Pitch shifting, stereo delays, flanging, freezing and autopanning are just some of the effects you can access, and everything can be synced externally or via the inbuilt LFO creating complex and flexible rhythmic effects. It seems like an extremely creative sound mangling device, and all in a tiny package."

BAF 2025: ALM Busy Circuits Motto Akemie + Turismo

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"At BAF 2025, we caught up with Zoey from* ALM Busy Circuits*, who introduced us to their latest music technology innovations. Zoey *began by showcasing the *Motto Akemie iPad app, which can also function as a plug-in. This app combines six Akemies Taikos with sequencers, now running seamlessly on the iPad.

Zoe also discussed the *Turismo*, a full system featuring drums, multiple voices, filters, effects, and sequencing. This powerful setup includes popular modules like *Cizzle*. We also looked at their enhanced *MCO digital oscillator*, featuring multiple synthesizer voices, a simple interface, and additions like chords, presets, and a built-in vocoder engine."

BAF 2025: Dreadbox Artemis Polysynth

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"at BAF 2025, we spoke with Orfeas from Dreadbox about *Artemis*, their forthcoming six-voice analogue synthesizer. The synth features dual VCOs per voice with full MPE compatibility, demonstrated alongside a ROLI Seabird for enhanced expression. Dreadbox introduced a through-zero FM capability, a first for the brand, allowing for more dynamic bass tones and FM-style sounds. The onboard modulation matrix lets you assign parameters to CCs, aftertouch, and polyaftertouch.

The synth comes with a classic Dreadbox filter, switchable between two and four poles, reminiscent of the Erebus series. Stereo voice panning is enabled through a voice spread function similar to the Murmux.

Effects from Sinevibes offer enhanced modulation, delays, and reverb options within four effect slots, providing greater creative control. Connectivity includes stereo outputs, USB for MIDI, and classic MIDI in/out. Expected availability is end of February to mid-March."

BAF 2025: Soma Harvezi Hazze Distortion Pedal

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"At BAF 2025, we spoke with Felipe from Soma who gave us a brief tour of their entire range, including the lightweight Lyra 4. We then got to see the brand new Harvezi Hazze distortion pedal*. This pedal features unique wave folding capabilities while allowing versatile signal processing. The panel has options for tone stack, bass boost, tone mode, notch frequency, high cut, and a compressor, all adjustable via dip switches. Capable of handling guitar, bass, and other instruments, the pedal operates with a mono input and output and is powered by a 9V DC supply. It doesn't support battery power but fits well on a pedal board. The *Harvezi Hazze is available for pre-order at $350 in the US, with shipping expected imminently."

BAF 2025: Soma Harvezi Hazze Distortion Pedal

video upload by sonicstate

"At BAF 2025, we spoke with Felipe from Soma who gave us a brief tour of their entire range, including the lightweight Lyra 4. We then got to see the brand new Harvezi Hazze distortion pedal*. This pedal features unique wave folding capabilities while allowing versatile signal processing. The panel has options for tone stack, bass boost, tone mode, notch frequency, high cut, and a compressor, all adjustable via dip switches. Capable of handling guitar, bass, and other instruments, the pedal operates with a mono input and output and is powered by a 9V DC supply. It doesn't support battery power but fits well on a pedal board. The *Harvezi Hazze is available for pre-order at $350 in the US, with shipping expected imminently."

BAF 2025: Endorphin.es Cockpit X

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"At BAF 2025 we hooked up with Andrea*s from *Endorphin.es who introduced us to a couple of new and updated modules, starting with the newest iteration of Cockpit*, their stereo 4 channel mixer with improved VCA chips for crystal clear audio quality, and a new simple to use layout. There are also two auxilliary inputs round the back, and sidechain ducking making it a great solution for Eurorack mixing. *Cockpit X is priced at 179 USD/Euros.

Andreas then showed us the new firmware for Ground Control sequencer with expanded functionality including the ability to load projects during live performance allowing for endless live shows with no stopping to load."

BAF 2025: Genki Instruments Katla Synthesizer

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"At BAF 2025, we caught up with Kari from Genki Instruments who introduced us to the *Katla Synthesizer*. Touted as perhaps the first Icelandic synthesizer, Katla takes its inspiration from Iceland's largest volcano, featuring side panels made of lava rock, ensuring each unit is unique.

Katla *is a five-voice polysynth that marries elements from both polyphonic and paraphonic synth designs. It offers a range of modes, including a notably dynamic round robin mode, as well as unison options. Each voice in *Katla comes with its own filter, enveloping a unique avenue for creative expression.

The synth is complemented by a suite of modulation sources, including loopable envelopes and integrated LFOs. Effects on board such as stereo reverb and distortion expand its sonic capability. Currently in a digital prototype stage, Genki hopes to incorporate analog components before its release later this year.

More Info:

https://genkiinstruments.com/"

See the announcement post here.